Track Tested: 2009 Nissan Titan Pro-4X

No one seemed to care much for the Malibu Hybrid we featured in the last installment of IL Track Tested, so here you go: a big, burly V8-powered, uh...pickup truck. Still not much of a track car, but hey. As trucks, go the Titan is quite fast.

In this case, we tested the Titan Pro-4X model, a special off-road edition that features heavy-duty shocks, a shorter rear-end gear and monster 18-inch off-road tires. Judging by the results, whatever help the lower gearing offered was offset by the big, heavy tires. Acceleration times were a little slower than other Titans we've tested, and the braking distances were considerably longer. Strangely enough, Jacquot was able to coax an identical slalom time out of the 2.5-ton beast.

See the rest of the numbers after the jump.

Vehicle: 2009 Nissan Titan 4x4 Pro-4X
Odometer: N/A
Date: 09/16/08
Driver: Josh Jacquot

Price: $38,540

Specifications:
Drive Type: Four-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 5,552cc (339cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 6,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 317 @ 5,200
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 385 @ 3,400
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Ventilated disc
Steering System: Speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): Double wishbone
Suspension Type (rear): Solid live axle
Tire Size (front): P275/70R18
Tire Size (rear): P275/70R18
Tire Brand: BF Goodrich
Tire Model: Rugged Trail T/Z
Tire Type: All-season
Wheel Size: 18 front -- 18 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 5,418

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.8
0 - 45 (sec): 4.8
0 - 60 (sec): 7.4
0 - 75 (sec): 11.4
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 15.6 @ 87.7
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 7.1
30 - 0 (ft): 33
60 - 0 (ft): 139
Braking Rating: Average
Slalom (mph): 56.7
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g):   0.68
Handling Rating: Good
Db @ Idle: N/A
Db @ Full Throttle:   N/A
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: N/A

Acceleration Comments: Very little technique here. Just mash the throttle and go. Some wheelspin doesn't seem to matter in acceleration time.

Braking Comments: Good pedal feel and reasonable fade resistance doesn't equal short stops.

Handling Comments: (Skid pad) Can balance with throttle, which is unusual for a truck. Fairly easy to hold its line. Good control. (Slalom) No stability control makes this a wild ride if overdriven. Not hard to control or dangerous, just unusual.